“Is that so?”
Bu Eunseol, having regained his composure, let Nae Bihon’s words slide and asked with a gentle expression.
“How is your body?”
“Thanks to you, I’m in fine shape.” Nae Bihon offered a calm smile. “My appetite’s back, and all the pain is gone.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes clouded.
Seeing Nae Bihon smile so serenely, unaware that he was the Thunder God himself, stirred something strange in him. If Nae Bihon weren’t living for his son’s revenge… Bu Eunseol would never have considered restoring his memories.
That was how utterly at peace Nae Bihon looked now.
“But this is troublesome.” Nae Bihon set down his chopsticks, folded his arms, and asked. “I remember nothing, know nothing. What am I to do?”
“Don’t worry.” Bu Eunseol replied evenly. “We’re going to restore Brother Thunder’s memories and power.”
“Memories and power?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “They say to regain your memories, we must first restore your original power.”
“Hmm.” Nae Bihon stroked his chin.
Then, with utmost seriousness, he said, “Before that, I have a question.”
“Speak.”
“You keep calling me ‘Brother Thunder, Brother Thunder.’” A faint light glimmered in Nae Bihon’s eyes.
“What exactly is my name?”
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath and began to explain everything.
That Nae Bihon was the Thunder God who had once trampled the martial world beneath his feet, and that he had temporarily lost his memories after defeat by a formidable foe.
He left out the Three Realms.
To mention them would require speaking of his family’s gruesome deaths.
“To think I was a man who dominated the martial world.” Nae Bihon shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe it.”
His voice was gentle, his eyes calm and composed.
This was likely Nae Bihon’s true nature. But the Three Realms had slaughtered his family in the most horrific way, and witnessing it had driven him to madness.
Seeing the memory-less Nae Bihon so gentle and composed only deepened Bu Eunseol’s heartache. Yet Nae Bihon desired revenge. Enough to abandon everything and wander the martial world.
That was why, even unwillingly, Bu Eunseol had to restore his memories.
“So I was that powerful?”
“Yes. Few masters in this era could rival Brother Thunder.”
“Yet I lost and forgot everything.” To Nae Bihon’s self-mocking words, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“That was… probably because Brother Thunder’s mind hasn’t been at ease lately. Once your power returns, you’ll surely win.”
“But must I regain my power?”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s no eternal victor, after all. Just because I lost, does that mean I must regain my strength?”
These were words unimaginable from the mouth of one once called the Thunder God. If possible, Bu Eunseol too wished Nae Bihon could forget everything and live in peace like this.
‘Wouldn’t this be fine as it is?’
The man who had tracked the Three Realms, stained with desperate vengeance and madness, was now questioning whether he truly needed his power.
Bu Eunseol’s heart wavered once more.
‘I can find that monstrous old man myself.’
Nae Bihon had the right to be forgotten.
If he himself didn’t want to remember.
If he couldn’t recall.
Was it not wrong for an outsider to arbitrarily dredge it up?
Perhaps his amnesia was a gift from his family in the afterlife, unable to bear his painful life.
If someone had forgotten the past…
Shouldn’t others forget it too?
“Brother Thunder.” Just as Bu Eunseol, having made up his mind, opened his mouth to speak—
He realized.
His judgment had been wrong.
“…Brother Thunder is the same.”
“Same as what?”
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol wore a wistful smile.
Nae Bihon hadn’t forgotten. He simply couldn’t remember.
Though his mouth smiled…
His eyes were steeped in boundless sorrow.
‘He’s just like me.’
Nae Bihon bore an enmity with the Three Realms that could not coexist.
Just like Bu Eunseol.
Though temporarily forgotten, what he ultimately wanted was revenge.
“We must find it regardless.” Bu Eunseol declared with firm resolve. “If Brother Thunder had spoken those words in earnest, this younger brother would gladly have agreed.”
“…”
“But what you just said isn’t sincere. Once your memories return, you’ll regret those words to the bone. That’s why we must find it.”
“Regret.”
“Yes. Because Brother Thunder has something he must do, even at the cost of his life.”
Nae Bihon fell silent.
Judging by Bu Eunseol’s eyes, it was undeniably true.
“But the path is far too difficult. Even if this younger brother exerts all his ability, success is uncertain.”
While Nae Bihon was unconscious, Bu Eunseol had immediately summoned Soyo and the Death Spirit Corps. He had assessed the sects Jongri Sahyeon mentioned. He had devised every possible strategy to obtain the three treasures…
But he couldn’t be certain of success.
“That sounds interesting.” Nae Bihon stroked his chin. “Fruit harvested after overcoming hardship and adversity is always sweeter.”
Though he had lost his memories, his heroic spirit remained alive. That was fortunate, from Bu Eunseol’s perspective.
“Shall we set out, then?”
Bu Eunseol nodded at Nae Bihon’s words. “Please rest and recover first. Once all preparations are complete…”
But then—
Flap.
A faint sound of wings came from outside.
It was Soyo’s urgent signal.
“I’ll come for you once everything is ready.”
Nae Bihon nodded. “Very well.”
Bu Eunseol stepped out of the Jongri manor and immediately transmitted his voice a thousand li.
[Soyo.]
A thin transmission soon pierced his ear.
[Master Iron of Nangyang Pavilion has summoned you.]
[Master Iron?]
[He received the full report from the Peongan Corps saying that you saved the Thunder God. And that you clashed with the Blade Emperor’s descendant.] Soyo’s transmission was grave. [He says you must never engage the Blade Emperor’s descendant. And to come hear the rest in person.]
Bu Eunseol frowned in puzzlement.
Master Wang Geol knew about the Blade Emperor?
‘In any case, to carry out this plan, I need the Death Spirit Corps’ intelligence and many other preparations.’
Bu Eunseol nodded.
Before heading to the outer regions, he would meet Master Wang Geol and hear about the Blade Emperor.
Iron Staff Mountain, Nangyang Pavilion.
Bu Eunseol departed the Jongri manor at once, arrived at Nangyang Pavilion in a single bound, and sought Wang Geol.
Wang Geol, who once repaired weapons at the pavilion’s entrance, was now the chief instructor responsible for all disciples.
Step. Step.
Bu Eunseol gave Dan Cheong a brief report of his return and headed to the hall where Wang Geol waited. As soon as they met, Wang Geol spoke in a resolute voice.
“You must never engage the Blade Emperor’s descendant.”
“What do you…” Before Bu Eunseol could finish, Wang Geol lifted his robe.
A long scar ran from shoulder to navel. The purple-tinged wound clearly spoke of a near-fatal injury.
“Because the blade arts used by the Blade Emperor’s descendant cannot be blocked at your current level.” Wang Geol spoke with a pained expression. “His blade arts annihilate any martial art, any power, in an instant. Moreover, if struck by his blade qi, it affects both inner energy and life force.”
“You fought him?”
“Yes.” Wang Geol drew a deep breath. “The reason I eventually ceased wandering the martial world and settled in Nangyang Pavilion was because, after meeting him, I lost all confidence in my martial arts.”
Bu Eunseol could not hide his shock.
Master Wang Geol was a man of exceptional insight and wisdom. In his youth, he had led the Nine Deaths Squad and amassed tremendous renown as a master. For such a man to lose confidence after meeting the Blade Emperor’s descendant and remain on Iron Staff Mountain ever since?
“In the past, I boasted invincibility. I believed none but the Pavilion Master could match me. Then I crossed blades with a man I suspected to be the Blade Emperor’s descendant among the Eight Emperors and Three Stars—and we fought to a draw.”
Bu Eunseol was baffled.
A draw meant evenly matched. Why, then, had Wang Geol lost confidence?
“His blade arts had no flaws. No technique, no move could bring him down.” Wang Geol spoke with anguish. “No matter what martial art I unleashed, no matter how I attacked… it was all rendered useless. Every technique I had honed felt like child’s play.”
It was astonishing.
Master Wang Geol possessed the pavilion’s most extensive knowledge and mastery of countless martial arts.
In his youth, he could instantly mimic an enemy’s techniques and grasp their principles, earning the title Grand Thief.
Yet the gap was so vast that his arts felt like toys?
Wang Geol opened his mouth with a grave expression.
“I heard you plan to eliminate him—to help Nae Bihon and to avenge the Southern Sky Great Hero Gwanhai Geum, who aided you.”
“Yes.”
“A gentleman’s revenge is never too late, even after ten years. If you must fight him, hone your martial arts for another decade.” Before Bu Eunseol could respond, Wang Geol continued. “I know you’ve reached a realm of martial arts unattainable at your age. But his blade arts completely transcend the boundaries of martial attainment…”
He paused, then declared firmly. “He employs a bizarre combat style that renders the opponent’s martial arts useless and plants deep despair.”
Wang Geol stared straight into Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“You now stand at the gentle summit of the Supreme Heavenly Realm. To later break into the Infinite Realm, you must never doubt your own martial path.”
“…”
“If you feel confusion in your current state, it will be a disaster—waves surging, clouds in chaos. All the inner energy and martial knowledge you’ve accumulated will collapse in an instant.”
That was Wang Geol’s own regretful past.
Having won every duel during his wandering days, he had grown proud, confident none could defeat him.
But facing the Blade Emperor’s blade arts…
He could neither withstand nor dispel them. He fell into despair, realizing all his learned arts were worthless. As confusion and emptiness persisted, his once-ascending martial prowess plummeted to the ground.
“If you fight him now, you may suffer the same fate. That is the nature of the Blade Emperor’s blade arts.”
“Master Iron.”
“I know you face every trial without flinching and grow through them. You are the proud successor of this pavilion.”
Wang Geol knew too.
That saying this was wrong. That it was unbecoming of a Nangyang Pavilion disciple.
But he could not stay silent.
His proud successor must not suffer the same fate.
His wings must not break before he could soar.
‘He’s been worried all along.’
Bu Eunseol understood Wang Geol’s heart. He feared Bu Eunseol might repeat the painful experience he himself had endured.
The Thunder God, Nae Bihon.
Even a powerhouse who dominated the martial world had been defeated in a single clash and lost his memories.
‘So his blade arts not only sever life force but gift the opponent indelible despair.’
A strange curiosity stirred in Bu Eunseol.
‘Is the Blade Emperor’s martial arts truly that extraordinary?’
To shatter the confidence of a master like Wang Geol in an instant. He was almost eager to see just how formidable that blade art was.
“I understand.” Bu Eunseol cleared his complicated thoughts and clasped his hands.
For a man like Wang Geol to reveal a humiliating past—it was because he cherished Bu Eunseol deeply. Thus, Bu Eunseol spoke with utmost resolve.
“I will make Master Iron forget that past.”
“What?”
“It is neither arrogance nor reckless confidence.” Bu Eunseol declared firmly. “I have learned many martial arts. And because I could not wield them properly, I received the Pavilion Master’s aid to reorganize my energy channels.”
“Hmm.”
“This is my chance to evolve what I possess into my own unique martial path.”
Wang Geol sighed, gazing into Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
As he said, it was neither arrogance nor recklessness. It was the resolve of a Nangyang Pavilion disciple to use this crisis as a stepping stone to leap to another level.
“Very well. I understand.” Realizing he could not stop Bu Eunseol, Wang Geol nodded.
“Then I’ll give you one piece of advice.”
After a moment of silence, he spoke in a low voice.
“How does a disciple of this pavilion fight an enemy?”
Though somewhat unexpected, Bu Eunseol answered immediately. “The combat style of this pavilion is to develop one’s own martial arts through the enemy’s, then dismantle theirs and deliver a decisive blow.”
“Do not fight that way.” Wang Geol stated firmly. “Forget this pavilion’s combat style and martial arts. Then you may win.”
“Forget this pavilion’s combat style and martial arts… you say.”
“Yes. You’re clever enough to do it.” As if he had nothing more to say, Wang Geol turned away.
Bu Eunseol, lost in deep thought for a while, nodded.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Wang Geol merely waved without looking back. But even his silhouette spoke clearly.
He was proud of Bu Eunseol and believed he would triumph.
Click.
Stepping out of the hall, Bu Eunseol gazed at the distant sky.
All that remained was to restore Nae Bihon’s memories and martial arts. Only then could he uncover the Blade Emperor’s descendant’s identity and cut him down.
“It begins now.” He had already devised numerous plans. Executing them required extensive preparation.
There was no time to delay.
Namman, the Wild Beast Palace.
The founding ancestor, Mansu Geumwang, could converse with beasts and freely wield the Power of the Wild, harnessing the power of all creatures.
But as generations passed, no one in the Wild Beast Palace achieved such superhuman ability.
Instead, they created and established martial arts that could approximate it.
To converse with animals: through Ten Thousand Beasts, which subdues all beasts.
To harness their power: through the Power of the Wild.
Bu Eunseol traveled to Namman with Nae Bihon.
This mission demanded utmost caution and entry into outer sects. Thus, Soyo did not accompany them.
Throughout the journey, Nae Bihon ceaselessly tried to recall his memories.
He recovered none of the past, but occasionally remembered the Thunder Spirit Gate’s martial manuals.
That was all.
No matter how much time passed, the Thunder God Spirit Energy did not reawaken, and nothing of the Blade Emperor returned.
Buzz. Buzz.
Arriving near Namman’s Taeyang Valley, Bu Eunseol and Nae Bihon entered the marketplace.
Bu Eunseol disguised himself as the mercenary Seolso.
This mission involved visiting outer sects; he could neither use nor reveal the identities of Bu Eunseol or Seon Woojin. Nae Bihon, meanwhile, wore a blue scholar’s robe and a long coat that reached his knees.
Even if someone who knew his face saw him, they would never recognize him as the Thunder God.
The streets teemed with merchants and onlookers, narrow alleys overflowed with peddlers. Bu Eunseol walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Nae Bihon, browsing the market.
They entered an inn with a good view and leisurely drank wine.
“You said we must go to the Wild Beast Palace—why come here?” Nae Bihon tilted his head in puzzlement.
Taeyang Valley was far from the Wild Beast Palace and had no connection to it.
Clink.
Bu Eunseol emptied his cup and replied calmly.
“The Wild Beast Palace never allows outsiders inside.”
“With your martial arts, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
Though Nae Bihon had lost the Thunder God Spirit Energy, he hadn’t lost his senses. He could somewhat gauge that Bu Eunseol was an extraordinary master.
“This cannot be solved with martial arts or status.” Bu Eunseol explained calmly. “The Wild Beast Palace is the most unique sect even among the outer regions. They are prideful and prioritize their own rules above all.”
“Hmm.”
“If we approach with status or martial prowess, they will only resist and reject us more fiercely.”
“Then why not sneak in, borrow it, and return it?”
Though memory-less, Nae Bihon had always acted refined, but he was no pure gentleman at heart. If a good plan existed, he would use it without hesitation, even if it bent morality—a free-spirited nature.
Bu Eunseol, too, was no pure gentleman and shared a similar temperament with the unbound Nae Bihon.
“I considered that, but the Wild Beast Palace’s masters possess strength and senses superior to ordinary martial experts. In short, they rival the Martial Alliance or Shaolin.”
“Hmm.”
“Moreover, they are exceedingly tenacious. They would pursue us to the ends of the earth… and we must visit multiple sects, mustn’t we? Pursuers would hinder our movements.”
Nae Bihon smiled faintly at the explanation. “So you have another plan.”
He nodded.
With madness gone, his personality had become not only calm but transformed into a man of exceptional insight and wisdom. Realizing Bu Eunseol had prepared a strategy in advance, Nae Bihon relaxed and sipped his wine without worry.
“Heh heh heh, now that’s mouth-watering.” Then a small commotion arose in the inn’s corner.
Turning, they saw a vulgar-looking man harassing a beautiful woman.
“Even raw, you wouldn’t smell fishy.”
Why do lustful madmen always spout such similar lines?
“What is this nonsense in broad daylight?”
Eventually, several chivalrous souls stood to stop the man. But they all fell in a single strike.
Crash! Thud!
He was no ordinary man but a martial expert with formidable skills.
Indignant martial artists drew weapons,
Clang!
Yet even struck by blades, not a scratch marred his body.
He had cultivated tremendous palm force and an external art that hardened his body like steel.
“Ugh.” The martial artists beaten by the vulgar man lay wretchedly on the floor.
“Hahaha. Come here.” In the end, he pulled the beautiful woman onto his lap.
No one in the inn stepped forward again. There was no master left who could oppose him.
“Hmm.” Bu Eunseol rose calmly.
He walked slowly toward the man harassing the woman.
“And who are you?”
Grin.
Bu Eunseol smiled instead of answering. The man, deeply offended, shoved the woman aside and thrust out his palm.
“Get lost!”
The ferocious palm force was unavoidable. But Bu Eunseol twisted his body obliquely, as if he had predicted the attack.
“Not bad, you’ve got some moves.”
Realizing Bu Eunseol possessed superior martial arts, the man unleashed three consecutive palms. As axe-sharp palm forces poured in, Bu Eunseol drew a circle with his left arm and slowly extended his right.
The circling left hand was light as a feather but the pushing right hand heavy as Mount Tai.
Whoosh.
A soft yet powerful force dissolved the sharp palm forces without trace and at the same moment, Bu Eunseol stepped forward lightly and struck with one palm.
It contained no technique or variation—only blinding speed.
Boom!
An explosive sound erupted as the palm struck the man’s body.
“Heh heh.” Yet the man merely had his chest clothes torn and stood unmoved.
A faint glow shimmered over his skin and body—he had cultivated a qi art that hardened the flesh.
“Kid, your fist art is impressive. But you’ll never bring me down!” The man swung his arms wildly, unleashing a torrent of palm force at Bu Eunseol.
The power was immense; even before contact, gusts pushed tables and chairs aside.
“Hmm.” Bu Eunseol moved his hands gently, neutralizing each palm force one by one.
When the man charged fiercely with palm force, Bu Eunseol deployed sticky, soft fist arts that pulled the man forward.
When he retreated to widen distance, Bu Eunseol drew dozens of fist shadows, unleashing a storm-like assault.
His fist art appeared simple at a glance, yet every move contained profound martial principles.
Its power was like a stone wrapped in cotton—soft on the surface, devastating within.
Boom boom boom boom!
Though the man had cultivated remarkable qi arts and palm techniques, he was helpless against Bu Eunseol’s mysterious fist art.
After twenty-six strikes, he vomited blood with a retch.
“Y-you’ll see!” He swiftly fled the inn with footwork.
Bu Eunseol did not pursue. He turned calmly.
He extended a hand to the woman.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.” As she bowed, Bu Eunseol clasped his hands.
“The world is dangerous these days—try not to travel alone if possible.”
As he turned—
Clap clap clap.
Suddenly, applause rang out behind him. Turning, he saw a young man clapping at the banquet hall entrance.
Tall and lean, with sharp eyes and dark skin.
His ornate clothing and attendants suggested high status.
“Your martial arts are extraordinary, brother. To unleash such power without inner energy… my eyes have been opened.”
“No need for praise.” As Bu Eunseol turned to leave, the youth spoke.
“This must be fate—why not share a drink? It seems we can’t drink here anymore.” The three-story inn was in ruins from Bu Eunseol and the vulgar man’s fight.
“I’m with my sworn brother.”
“If he’s your sworn brother, he’s surely no ordinary man.” The youth smiled brightly and nodded. “I’d be honored if you both joined me.”
‘Perfect.’ Bu Eunseol smiled inwardly.
The vulgar man harassing the woman in the inn—he had summoned a Death Spirit Corps agent to stage this little play.
All to draw the attention of this very youth, Dae Guhwi.
